The debate all offseason has raged on about who the Chicago Bears' top pass catcher is going to be in 2026. In a funny turn of events, Seth Walder of ESPN thinks the debate might rage on as veteran wideout Kalif Raymond is set up for a big game in Week 1.
Walder notes that injuries to both Rome Odunze and Luther Burden could cause the two likely candidates to lead the Bears in targets to take a back seat to an old Ben Johnson favorite.
"Bears WR Kalif Raymond will record at least four receptions. Rome Odunze (calf) is banged up. Luther Burden III (groin) sat out a lot of camp. Do you know who is a wily veteran who can be available for some layups underneath? Raymond."Seth Walder
Chicago Bears Veteran Free Agent Projected for Big Week 1
Raymond has been in the NFL since 2016, but had his best years from 2021 through 2025 with the Detroit Lions. His three best seasons happened to occur when Ben Johnson was the Lions' play caller.
So, after one year without Johnson, when he did not play well, he rejoined the coach who knows how to use him best. Raymond was expected to compete with rookie Zavion Thomas for the number three role.
Thomas is raw and was injured through the majority of the summer. He will play, but only in a limited capacity. Both Odunze and Burden are going to start over Raymond, but as Walder mentions, neither is entirely healthy.
Chicago appears to be holding both back in practice to ensure they are both completely healthy when they take the field in Week 1. Still, they are now missing practice time with Caleb Williams, where the game plan is being installed.
Williams could end up looking for the veteran, and Johnson might not have an issue calling the number of the player he trusts.
To be fair, Raymond could record four catches and still not lead the Bears in receiving. Still, Chicago has Burden, Odunze, Thomas, and more from their tight ends and running backs. Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, and D’Andre Swift will have a couple of catches. Even Kyle Monangai might get into the mix.
So, if Raymond is catching four passes himself, the reality might be that there is no leading receiver this week. Chicago has a lot of options to spread the ball around to, and everyone might end up with three or four catches.
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